RU2688084C2 - Vehicle with elongated longitudinal structure for loading and unloading device with engine drive - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a vehicle with an elongated longitudinal structure for an engine-driven loading and unloading device. Weights (2) are loaded / unloaded in cargo space by means of loading and unloading device (5) with engine drive, which is made with possibility of movement along longitudinal guide rails (7) supported by vehicle (3). Vehicle is closed in rear part by means of two hinged doors (10), besides, each door contains section (11) of guide rail located at the same height as guide rails.EFFECT: when hinged doors are open by 90 degrees, each section of guide rail extends one of guide rails, providing movement of loading and unloading device with drive from engine simultaneously both on guide rails, and on sections of guide rails.12 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention relates.

The present invention relates, as a rule, to the carriage of goods, in particular to the transport of goods placed on pallets. These goods are, for example, cars that have the same or excellent shape.

More specifically, the invention relates to a freight road vehicle for the transport of goods, in which the goods are moved, oriented and laid using a loading and unloading device driven by an engine, which is adapted to move along guide rails supported by the vehicle. The specified vehicle contains means that provide the possibility of extending the path of longitudinal movement of the loading and unloading device and allowing the loading and unloading device to move from one structure to another when the vehicle contains two coupled loading structures.

Prior art

From document US 4597712, for example, a device is known for loading and unloading semi-trailers. The specified device is installed at the rear end of the cargo area and contains pivot levers to grip the vehicle laterally based on the wheel supports and to move the assembly to the loading position. The various operations and movements are controlled by the operator from the control panel. Such a device has the disadvantage of continuous operator control. In addition, the operator does not always have all the information necessary for optimal loading, unloading, optimal transportation or distribution, imposing special restrictions. Thus, there may be a case of placement of goods, in this case vehicles, in sub-optimal or even dangerous positions for loading. The loading error can then be corrected only by re-moving at least part of the cargo. This will lead to a significant loss of time. The seizure of cars, which should ensure that the car does not swing, due to the positioning of the gripping levers, is made by the operator’s decision Therefore, the implementation of the capture can be a long and relatively dangerous operation.

Summary of Invention

In connection with the above objective of the present invention is to reduce the disadvantages of the prior art due to the fact that the proposed road freight vehicle for the carriage of goods, containing a new loading and unloading device, which is simple, fast and reliable in practical application.

The objectives defined by the present invention are achieved by means of a freight road vehicle for the carriage of goods, in which the goods carried on pallets are moved, oriented and laid in the cargo area by means of an engine driven loading and unloading device that is movable along longitudinal construction of the vehicle, characterized in that:

 - the longitudinal structure contains longitudinal guide rails supported by the vehicle along the cargo area;

 - two hinged doors are provided for closing the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle;

 - each hinged door contains a longitudinal guide rail section located at the same height as the guide rails;

 - when opening hinged doors by 90 degrees, each section of the guide rail extends one of the guide rails, ensuring that the loading and unloading device is driven by the engine both along the guide rails and along the sections of the guide rails.

According to one embodiment, the guide rails are located in the upper part of the vehicle and the sections of the guide rails are located in the upper part of the hinged doors, while opening the hinged doors 90 degrees each guide rail is located in close proximity and along the same longitudinal axis as associated with him section of the guide rail.

According to another embodiment, the hinged doors comprise hinges located on the inner surfaces of the cargo area.

According to an alternative embodiment, the vehicle comprises two loading structures connected together, each of which contains a pair of guide rails for moving the loading and unloading device with a drive from the engine, and it further comprises elements for converging the guide rails supported by each of the loading structures, so that each pair of guide rails of one loading structure is brought into position close to the pair of guide rails other loading structure or vice versa.

According to this alternative embodiment, the elements for approaching may comprise a pull-out drawbar, extendable guide rails, a screw-nut screw system or other known elements for approaching.

According to this alternative embodiment, the elements for approaching can provide the ability to move one loading structure relative to another loading structure.

According to another alternative embodiment, the vehicle comprises a tractor and a semi-trailer, said semi-trailer supporting the loading structure.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the vehicle comprises a tractor supporting the loading structure and a trailer connected thereto supporting the other loading structure.

According to the previous alternative embodiment, the vehicle may contain a centering system to compensate for a slight displacement between the front and rear guide rails during the approach of the two loading structures, moreover, said centering system comprises a pair of taper elements engaged in engagement of the response form located on the respective ends of each guide rail.

The vehicle may also contain a compensation system adapted to compensate for a small roll, inclination and yaw between the bases of the loading structures during their mutual convergence, and this compensation system contains parts of the response form introduced into the gear on the bases, and these parts include in-depth covering introduced into the engagement part located in the rear part of the base of the front loading structure, and the protruding male part located in the front hour These are the bases of the rear loading structure.

According to this alternative embodiment, each of the engaging parts may have an inclined portion serving as a guiding incline and an abutment for placing the male engaging part within the female engaging part.

One advantage of a vehicle according to the present invention is the high degree of automation of loading and unloading operations.

Another advantage of a vehicle according to the present invention is a significant time saving in carrying out loading and unloading operations. Automation of these operations actually provides the operator with the opportunity, for example, when loading a car, to find another car for loading, while the automated device proceeds with the automated placement of the car in its position for loading. When performing unloading operations, there is a similar time saving.

Another advantage of a vehicle according to the present invention is the high reliability it provides, despite the high degree of automation.

A further advantage of the loading and unloading device according to the present invention is that it is adapted for loads of various kinds.

A further advantage of the vehicle according to the present invention is that it allows a very simple and completely safe way to load and unload various cargo spaces of an articulated unit consisting, for example, of a trailer coupled to an engine-driven vehicle.

A further advantage of the vehicle according to the present invention is to provide an increase in the path of movement of the trolley, intended to move the loading and unloading device driven by the engine.

Brief description of graphic materials

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description provided with reference to the accompanying graphic materials presented as non-limiting examples in which:

 - in fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention, the loading and unloading of which can be carried out using pallets, which are operated using an engine-driven loading and unloading device, the vehicle being a semi-trailer shown during the operation of capturing and loading the pallet supporting the vehicle using a loading and unloading device driven by the engine;

 - in fig. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention, wherein the vehicle is a vehicle with two connected loading structures, which is shown empty in the driving position;

 - in fig. 3 shows the vehicle of FIG. 2, which is shown empty in the loading position;

 - in fig. 4 shows the vehicle of FIG. 2 shown fully loaded in the driving position;

 - in fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of an extendable drawbar of a vehicle according to the present invention, comprising means for checking the correctness of centering its two loading structures; and

 - in fig. 6a, 6b and 6c show an example of approaching between two loading structures of a vehicle according to the present invention.

Variant (s) of carrying out the invention

Structurally and functionally identical elements shown in several different figures are denoted by the same numeric or alphanumeric positions.

FIG. 1 shows the loading stage in which the pallet 1 carries the load 2, in this case a passenger car, during loading onto the vehicle 3, for example, on the semi-trailer 3a.

The loaded pallet 1 is moved by means of a loading and unloading device 5 driven by an engine, which captures the pallet 1 by means of grippers 6. Pallet 1 is captured or engaged by gripping 6 on each of its sides and, more specifically, on each of its lateral longitudinal beams.

The cart 4 supporting the loading and unloading device 5 is moved along the longitudinal guide rails 7, i.e. it runs along and on both sides of a given cargo space inside the semi-trailer 3a. The guide rails 7 are preferably located in the upper part of the cargo area.

Trolley 4 provides movement of the loading device 5 and, therefore, pallet 1 within the cargo area.

The side arms 5a are preferably retractable and pivotally attached to the carriage 4, and the arms 6, in turn, are pivotally attached to the lower ends of said side arms 5a.

Loading and unloading device 5, on the one hand, provides movement of the pallet 1 in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction and, on the other hand, provides a change in the orientation of the pallet 1 by means of grippers 6.

The movement and orientation of the pallet 1 is achieved exclusively with the help of actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, the detailed description of which is not given further below. It is also possible to use electric or pneumatic actuators.

On its sides, the vehicle 3 may have side walls forming the supporting structure for the pallets 1. The supporting structure preferably extends between the uprights 8 connecting the base 9 of the vehicle 3 to the guide rails 7.

At the rear of the vehicle 3 contains two hinged doors 10, designed to close the cargo area. Each hinged door 10 contains a section 11 of the guide rail, preferably in the upper part of the door 10, and is located at the same height as the guide rails 7.

Thus, when the hinged doors 10 are open 90 degrees, each section 11 of the guide rail extends one of the guide rails 7 to form an elongated guide rail, allowing movement of the loading and unloading device 5 both along the guide rails 7 and along sections 11 of the guide rails, thus extending its path towards the rear.

When hinged doors 10 are open 90 degrees, each section 11 of the guide rail is preferably located in close proximity to one of the guide rails 7, as its extension, and along the same longitudinal axis. Thus, the handling device 5, when moving along the elongated guide rails 7, does not encounter any discontinuity of the rail that could interfere with its operation. The hinges of the doors 10 are preferably installed on the side of the inner surfaces of the cargo area.

FIG. 2 to 4 depict a vehicle 3 comprising a front loading structure 3b and another rear loading structure 3c. These loading structures 3b and 3c are coupled together by a drawbar 12 connecting the tractor supporting the front loading structure 3b to the trailer supporting the rear loading structure 3c. Each of the loading structures 3b and 3c comprises a pair of guide rails 7a, 7b in order to allow the loading and unloading device 5 to move using the trolley 4.

When the vehicle 3 is moving, it is necessary that there is a free gap between the loading structures 3b and 3c in order to be able to rotate relative to each other along the curves. Thus, in the driving position shown in FIG. 2 and 4, the loading structures 3b and 3c are separated and, therefore, their front guide rails 7a and the rear guide rails 7b are not in close proximity to each other.

In the loading / unloading position in order to allow the loading and unloading device 5 to move along the guide rails 7a, 7b, the said guide rails 7a, 7b must be placed in close proximity to each other.

The first technical solution is, for example, in the use of convergence elements containing the extendable drawbar 12. Thus, when the vehicle 3 is to be loaded or unloaded, the extendable drawbar 12 is retracted to ensure that the loading structures 3b and 3c converge together until the guide rails 7a, 7b will not be in close proximity to or in contact with each other. If necessary, move the vehicle 3 retractable drawbar 12 is again installed in the location for the ride.

The second technical solution consists, for example, in the use of approach elements containing retractable guide rails 7a and / or 7b. Thus, when the vehicle 3 is to be loaded or unloaded, at least one of the guide rails 7a and 7b is retractable and positioned in such a way as to bring it closer together with the other guide rails 7b and 7a until be in close proximity to each other or touch. If necessary, move the vehicle 3 retractable guide rails 7a and / or 7b are again retracted to the driving position.

The vehicle 3 according to the present invention may also contain detection means that enable the validation of centering between the loading structures 3b and 3c. Such detection means, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, contain, for example, a position sensor 12a that determines mutual centering. For this purpose, the vehicle 3 is provided with a guide 12b, such as a metal ring, hinged on its body, for example on the base 9 of the loading structure 3b. Said guide 12b extends partially above the tongue 12, while it is clamped by a vice 12c attached to said tongue 12.

The position sensor 12a is placed on the vice 12c, and the guide 12b has a protrusion 12d that protrudes from the inner circumference 12e of the guide 12b. The dimensions and location of the protrusion 12d are such that in the absence of yaw, i.e., when loading structures 3b and 3c are centered, said protrusion 12d faces the position sensor 12a. The specified position sensor transmits information to the operator regarding the specified centering, for example, using a backlit indicator or an audible indicator. The operator then knows whether he can bring the loading structures 3b and 3c closer together.

During this approach, it is actually important that the loading structures 3b and 3c be substantially centered, with the result that their front guide rails 7a and rear guide rails 7b can be located in close proximity to each other along the same longitudinal axis and along both sides of loading structures 3b and 3c. Consequently, the detection tools allow us to provide information regarding the possible incorrect centering of the yaw, which prevents the two structures 3b and 3c from coming together. The operator can then maneuver before approaching the loading structures 3b and 3c to correct the yaw of the articulated assembly. Thus, when the yaw angle between the two structures 3b and 3c is within the required range, centering the articulated unit is acceptable, as indicated by a visual or audible signal. Then, convergence of the two structures 3b and 3c can be achieved.

After correcting any yaw, depending on the situation, it may be necessary to correct roll and / or inclination, in particular in the case of curvature of the carriageway. For this, the vehicle 3 according to the present invention may also contain a correction system for loading structures 3b and 3c. This correction system, depicted, for example, in FIG. 6a, 6b and 6c, contains, for example, centering elements for guide rails 7a, 7b and shoes 14. In FIG. 6a, 6b and 6c show the relative position of the two loading structures 3b and 3c during the approach stage.

The shoes 14 comprising male engaging portions 16b located at the front end of the longitudinal beams of the base 9 preferably have an inclined section 17b for facilitating the direction and engaging inside the engaging portions 16a of the counter form 16 provided for at the rear end of the longitudinal beams of the other grounds 9.

The engaging portions 16a preferably have an inclined surface 17a, to which the male engagement portion 16b of the respective shoe 14 adjoins, when the loading structures 3b and 3c are approached.

The centering elements comprise, for example, interlocking cone-shaped elements 13 inside the extension of the guide rails 7b and recesses 13a of the response form, designed to accommodate said interlocking cone-shaped elements 13. The centering elements thus allow for the centering of the two ends of the guides rails 7a, 7b and increase the rigidity of the loading structure as a whole during the stages of loading and unloading.

Introduction to the engagement of the shoe 14 with the response forms 16, on the one hand, and the introduction to the engagement of the cone-shaped elements 13 with the grooves 13a make it possible, due to the absorption of mechanical stresses by the suspensions of the structures 3b and 3c, to compensate for minor disturbances of centering for roll, tilt and yaw between the two structures 3b and 3c, coming into contact with each other during their approach.

The guide rails 7a, 7b, located in the extension of the sections 11 of the guide rails of the doors 10 in the open position, form with the said sections 11 of the guide rails an elongated guide rail providing movement of the carriages 4 supporting the loading and unloading device 5 from one to another throughout lengths in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 1 or 3.

FIG. 4 shows a vehicle 3 comprising two loading structures 3b and 3c fully loaded by automobiles. It is presented in a driving position, i.e. with loading structures 3b and 3c separated from each other.

To maximize the number of vehicles transported in this way, loading the last car placed in the lower position at the rear of the loading structure 3c is carried out on a sliding platform that reaches the ground level for loading and then lifted to the driving position. A vehicle placed in an upper position at the rear of the loading structure 3c is similarly loaded onto a pallet 1, which can be partially supported by the doors 10 in an open position.

The vehicle according to the present invention also provides the possibility of carrying out a method of loading and unloading a freight road vehicle 3 for transporting goods using a loading and unloading device 5 driven by an engine, guided while traveling along the longitudinal guide rails 7 to reach each of the defined loading positions. The management of this method of loading and unloading is preferably carried out using an integrated programmable logic controller (PLC).

In one embodiment of the method of loading-unloading in accordance with the invention, the following steps are performed sequentially.

During the first stage a), the primary data relating to the goods 2 is entered or imported into the PLC. These primary data refer, for example, to the size, weight and / or preferred orientation of each cargo 2.

During stage b), the PLC determines the optimal loading position for each cargo 2 on the basis of primary data and additional data relating to the restrictions on loading-unloading, transportation and / or distribution of cargo. The specified additional data, for example, is entered by the operator.

During step c), the automated movements of the loading and unloading device 5 driven by the engine are determined by the PLC.

During step d), the pallet 1 is automatically captured by the loading and unloading device 5 in the storage position in the cargo area and the said pallet 1 is placed in the loading position at the rear of the vehicle 3. The pallet 1, for example, is mounted horizontally on the ground.

Then during step e) the load 2 is placed on the pallet 1.

During step f), with the help of a loading and unloading device 5, the pallet 1, supporting the load 2, is automatically moved to its optimum loading position and the specified pallet 1, immersed in the supporting structures of the vehicle 3, is automatically locked.

For unloading purposes, all the registered data related to loading, according to step g), is used to determine the unloading sequence of loaded pallets 1 placed in the cargo area.

Then, according to step h), the pallet 1 is unblocked automatically and moved with the help of a loading and unloading device 5 towards the external unloading position at the rear of the vehicle.

According to stage i) the load 2 is removed from the pallet 1.

Finally, according to step j), the empty pallet 1 is automatically returned by means of the loading and unloading device 5 and placed in a storage position in the cargo area.

Loading and unloading positions are usually located either directly on the ground or on a loading platform.

According to one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the method comprises repeating loading operations d) to f) and unloading operations g) to j) so as to fully load, or unload, the vehicle 3.

According to one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the method advantageously comprises an additional step, performed before step d), which consists of opening the hinged doors 10 by 90 degrees. These doors 10 are closed again after loading is completed, if the load 2 does not interfere with the specified manual or mechanized closure.

If the vehicle 3 contains two loading structures 3b and 3c connected together, the method preferably includes an additional step performed before step d), consisting in bringing the guide rails 7a, 7b closer together until they are located directly in proximity to each other.

In addition, before step d), loading structures 3b and 3c should be brought closer by pulling back the drawbar 12.

According to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, the method includes retracting the loading and unloading device 5 to a predetermined transport position on the supporting structures after loading and unloading operations have been completed.

In different figures, goods 2 are presented as an example in the form of automobiles, although it is obvious to a person skilled in the technical field to which the invention relates that the invention is quite suitable for loading and unloading cargo of any type.

Similarly, the vehicles shown in the figures are given only as an example, and the present invention relates to a vehicle of any type for loading and unloading goods in the cargo space using a loading and unloading device 5 driven by an engine that is movable along the longitudinal guide rails 7 supported by the vehicle 3.

Obviously, the present description is not limited to the detailed examples described, and also includes other embodiments and / or implementations. Thus, the one described technical specification can be replaced by an equivalent technical specification, and one described work step can be replaced by an equivalent step within the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. A cargo road vehicle (3) for the carriage of goods, in which goods (2) carried on pallets (1) are moved, oriented and laid in the cargo area by means of a loading and unloading device (5) driven by an engine, which made with the possibility of moving along the longitudinal structure of the vehicle (3), characterized in that: - the longitudinal structure contains longitudinal guide rails (7) supported by the vehicle (3) along the cargo area; - two hinged doors (10) are provided for closing the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle (3); - each hinged door (10) contains a section (11) of a longitudinal guide rail located at the same height as the guide rails (7); - when hinged doors (10) are opened by 90 degrees, each section (11) of the guide rail extends one of the guide rails (7), allowing the loading and unloading device (5) to be moved with the drive from the engine both along the guide rails (7) and and sections (11) of the guide rails. 2. Vehicle (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide rails (7) are located in the upper part of the vehicle, and the sections (11) of the guide rails are located in the upper part of the hinged doors (10), while opening hinged doors (10) at 90 degrees each guide rail (7) is located in close proximity and along the same longitudinal axis as the associated section (11) of the guide rail. 3. Vehicle (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hinged doors (10) contain loops located on the inner surfaces of the cargo area. 4. Vehicle (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains two loading structures (3b, 3c) connected together, each of which contains a pair of guide rails (7a, 7b) for moving the loading and unloading device ( 5) driven by the engine, and it additionally contains elements for converging guide rails (7a, 7b) supported by each of the loading structures (3b, 3c), so that each pair of guide rails (7b) of one loading structure (3c) brought in close proximity to steam guide rails (7a) other loading structure (3b), or vice versa. 5. Vehicle (3) according to claim. 4, characterized in that the elements for approaching contain an extendable drawbar (12). 6. Vehicle (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elements for approaching contain retractable guide rails (7a or 7b). 7. Vehicle (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elements for convergence can move one loading structure (3b or 3c) relative to the other loading structure (3c or 3b). 8. Vehicle (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a tractor and a semi-trailer that supports the loading structure (3a). 9. Vehicle (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 4-7, characterized in that it contains a tractor supporting one loading structure (3a) and a trailer connected to it supporting another loading structure (3b). 10. Vehicle (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 4–7, characterized in that it contains a centering system to compensate for a slight displacement between the front guide rails (7a) and the rear guide rails (7b) during the approach of the two loading structures (3b, 3c), and the centering system contains a pair of the engagement of the cone-shaped elements (13) and the notches (13a) of the response form, located at the respective ends of each guide rail (7b, 7a). 11. Vehicle (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 4–7, characterized in that it contains a compensation system designed to compensate for small roll, tilt and yaw between the bases (9) of the loading structures (3b, 3c) during their mutual convergence, with this compensation system containing the engaging parts of the response form on the bases (9), and these parts include an in-depth female part that is inserted into the gearing (16a), located in the rear part of the base (9) of the front loading structure (3b), and a protruding male nce (16b), disposed in front of the base (9) of the rear loading structure (3c). 12. Vehicle (3) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the engaging parts (16a, 16b) has an inclined section (17a, 17b) serving as a guide slope and an emphasis for accommodating the engaging part engaged (16b) inside the engaging part (16a).

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